Data released ICF International, a Fairfax, Va.-based consulting group, found that Ways to Work, a unique Community Development Financial Institution that provides affordable loans to working families with challenging credit histories, provides a strong return on investment and is highly successful in helping underemployed families retain and improve their job status and quality of life.

Currently, an estimated 19 percent of the U.S. workforce is underemployed – high-skill workers who are involuntarily working part-time or employed in low-wage jobs far below their skill level, according to a Gallop Poll. In California that number is estimated at 21 to 24% of the workforce.

Ways to Work partners with local, nonprofit, family-serving agencies across the country that are members of the Alliance for Children and Families to help the underemployed access better jobs. Together, these community-based human services agencies and their Ways to Work programs provide low-interest loans, financial education, case management, and other engagement to working families who are committed to improving their credit status, moving up in the work-force and gaining a higher level of self-sufficiency.

Clients use the loans primarily to purchase reliable, pre-owned cars to help them retain jobs or move ahead in their careers, reduce tardiness and absenteeism at work, access additional education or job training and meet their families’ needs, such as access to child care, doctors’ appointments and school activities.

The study, which examined families helped between 2007 and 2010, found that more than half of those in the program increased their income and 94 percent improved their employment circumstances as a result of the loan. More than one-quarter credited the program for helping them increase their educational attainment.

“We have a proven program that works,” noted Susan N. Dreyfus, president and CEO of the Alliance for Children and Families and CEO of Ways to Work. “Alliance for Children and Families agencies that are operating Ways to Work programs are helping underemployed families who are living in poverty truly be on a pathway to self- sufficiency. We will be working tirelessly to develop the partnerships necessary to expand Ways to Work to all 50 states.”

“The Walmart Foundation is pleased to support this innovative program which has shown proven, replicable results,” noted Michelle Gilliard, a senior director at the Walmart Foundation and co-chair of the National Advisory Council for Ways to Work. “We have seen the impact that reliable transportation can have on a low-to-moderate-income family. For many, it can open doors to more gainful employment, better childcare and a higher standard of living,” she added. A full copy of the evaluation report can be found at www.waystowork.org.

Locally, United Way of San Diego County and the Leichtag Foundation have committed funds to bring the Ways to Work program to San Diego County. Shaina Gross, senior community impact manager with United Way, stated, “We know that public transportation in San Diego is limiting. Community members, as well as research, have told us that having reliable transportation can be the catalyst needed to increase income and family stability.”

The two funders selected Jewish Family Service and Community Resource Centerto implement Ways to Work. For more information and eligibility requirements, visit http://www.uwsd.org/content/ways-work